Auckland's T2 lanes... for who?

**st00ji** · 25th September 2009, 07:40

the controversial T2 lanes leading on to the motorways, often abused... including by me?

does anyone know if bikes are 'legally' allowed in these lanes? most of the signs have buses, trucks and multi passenger cars. but where i get on the motorway in the mornings, the first sign you see has bikes on it too.

i compromise in my head by riding up the small median strip that seperates the T2 lane from the others. (not quite in T2, but still skipping traffic hah) i have recently seen a few cops policing these areas hence the question...

anyone know for sure?

**chocobo_ff** · 25th September 2009, 07:53

http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/auck...uses/lanes.asp
http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/auck...ses/cbdbus.asp
http://transportblog.co.nz/tag/bus-lanes/

Bikes use bus lanes too! Buses, cycles and motorcycles are all authorised users of bus lanes, so keep an eye out for them.

And I think all the T2 lanes I have seen have signs saying motorcycles can use them.

I think unless it specifically says "bus only", you'll be fine.

EDIT: oops, the above links are for bus lanes... try this: http://www.northshorecity.govt.nz/tr...nsit-lanes.htm

A transit lane is a lane reserved for buses, taxis, cars and other vehicles carrying three or more people, as well as bicycles and motorbikes. It usually only operates during peak hours, eg. 6.30am to 9am.

**PrincessBandit** · 25th September 2009, 07:58

The one at Mt Wellington doesn't have a motorbike pic on it. Probably best to check LTSA website for clarification as to which ones you can and can't use. Do a search on here too as it has been discussed before by others.

**chocobo_ff** · 25th September 2009, 07:59

http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/rul...-rule-2004.pdf

transit lane means a lane reserved for the use of the following
(unless specifically excluded by a sign installed at the start of
the lane):
(a) passenger service vehicles:
(b) motor vehicles carrying not less than the number of
persons (including the driver) specified on the sign:
(c) cycles:
(d) motorcycles

**MikeL** · 25th September 2009, 08:07

I too have been confused by the absence of a motorcycle symbol on some T2 signs. I continue to use them, on the assumption that this uncertainty would be acknowledged by the law, which as we know operates on principles of reasonableness and fairness...

**Swoop** · 25th September 2009, 08:12

T2 lane = yes for bikes.

One vehicle,
Per green,
Each lane....

Yeah, Right!

**Ixion** · 25th September 2009, 10:08

Originally Posted by st00ji

the controversial T2 lanes leading on to the motorways, often abused... including by me?

does anyone know if bikes are 'legally' allowed in these lanes? most of the signs have buses, trucks and multi passenger cars. but where i get on the motorway in the mornings, the first sign you see has bikes on it too.

i compromise in my head by riding up the small median strip that seperates the T2 lane from the others. (not quite in T2, but still skipping traffic hah) i have recently seen a few cops policing these areas hence the question...

anyone know for sure?

Yes. Bikes may use these lanes (except the 'truck only' lane from Grafton Rd). And BRONZ has written acknowledgement from the cops that this is so. And all Auckland cops have been advised of this.

I had a link about this on here. Search and ye shall find.

**Mully** · 25th September 2009, 10:15

Originally Posted by Ixion

Yes. Bikes may use these lanes (except the 'truck only' lane from Grafton Rd). And BRONZ has written acknowledgement from the cops that this is so. And all Auckland cops have been advised of this.

This is what I'm banking on when I use 'em - a lot of the new T2 signs onto the Northwestern carpark don't mention bikes, whereas I thought a lot of the older ones did.

**Ixion** · 25th September 2009, 10:26

Cos I'm good like that I searched out the thread with the letter in it from the cops admitting we can (pdf and doc versions in the thread).

Cynical souls like me might like to print off the letter and carry it.

**Squiggles** · 25th September 2009, 10:29

Originally Posted by Ixion

Yes. Bikes may use these lanes (except the 'truck only' lane from Grafton Rd).

Have a look next time ya go through, the truck only lane has been designated an emergency stopping lane by the looks of the signage and green paint...

Gotta watch the hooning buses now too

**Ixion** · 25th September 2009, 10:38

Technically, it is an emergency stopping lane. But trucks (only) have dispensation from transit to use it. Same as buses have dispensation to use the emergency stopping shoulder on the motorways.

**Swoop** · 25th September 2009, 12:27

Originally Posted by Ixion

Cos I'm good like that I searched out the thread with the letter in it from the cops admitting we can (pdf and doc versions in the thread).

Cynical souls like me might like to print off the letter and carry it.

How does one put that attachment into the Wiki area???

**st00ji** · 25th September 2009, 12:31

thanks for the fast replies guys! i wasnt 100% sure because i know we are not supposed to use the bus lanes on the motorways, and i didnt know whose jurisdiction the T2 lanes fell under.

**90s** · 25th September 2009, 14:37

Originally Posted by Ixion

Cos I'm good like that I searched out the thread with the letter in it from the cops admitting we can (pdf and doc versions in the thread).

Cynical souls like me might like to print off the letter and carry it.

I have been carrying a copy of this in my tank bag for months now.

In a way a small part of me has been dissapointed not to have been pulled on the T2 lane I ride in daily so enabling me to produce it with a theatric flourish.